September 11, 2011

"It is very, very easy not to be offended by a book. You just have to shut it."Salman Rushdie

I watched in awe as DV8, the physical theatre company from England, delivered a very powerful message about free speech, Islam and multiculturalism in the west. Whilst contorting themselves around doorways, upside down - in fact many different positions and speeds, I felt totally refreshed after listening to their message which was utterly correct. I almost I forgot I was in conservative Hong Kong. The performance was 1hr 20m with no intermission and I had no concept of the time, it held my attention throughout.

I am now contemplating changing my teaching technique to incorporate physical movements such as drinking tea while sat on the back of a large male colleague who manipulates me around his body or standing on my head to put on a pair of trousers - all movements and positions will be designed to keep my audience enthralled and I will not miss a cue or even trip slightly as my lesson is delivered and, essentially, my students will remember it once they leave the room.

My only criticism is that it is so rare to have the opportunity to see such a high standard of contemporary physical theatre in Hong Kong and I want more. (stamping of foot)

September 01, 2011

I really want to share this story from the BBC on my favourite topic. I used to be one of those people who paid money for years to keep stuff in storage and when I eventually got round to sorting it out 90% of it never made it back into the house and was immediately put in a skip.

Don't make this mistake - if in doubt chuck it out should be your mantra.

The photograph is including because it's lovely. Isle of Sky, dolphin.